As we headed down the steps to the pavement, I was keenly aware that we were no closer to finding the two missing women. Not only that, I also couldn’t think where we should go next.
Fortunately, Oscar and Miss Wheeler had an idea. With nothing but an earnest look exchanged between them, they strode off along the pavement together.
Chapter 11
I used to find it odd that footmen were employed largely for their looks, not their ability, until I learned that their tasks were minimal compared to a maid’s, and easy at that. They were somewhat unnecessary to the functioning of a household except, perhaps, at dinner or parties when they were required to serve. I’d also learned that a handsome, tall footman was more desirable than a short, plain one, and so could demand a higher wage. Their appearance was a reflection on the employer’s wealth.
If the main function of a footman was to make the household look good, then the one named Jack at number eight Moray Place was an excellent choice. He was taller than Oscar and exceptionally handsome, with thick dark hair, clean-shaven square jaw and broad shoulders. The blue eyes took in the three of us standing on the doorstep but lingered a little longer on Miss Wheeler than Oscar or me. Perhaps that was because she was the one to ask him if he was Jack. Or perhaps it was because she was strikingly pretty herself.
“I am Jack,” he said in a voice so deep it seemed to come from the depths of his soul.
“We’re assisting the police with their inquiries into the disappearances of Juliette and Mary.”
Those blue eyes sharpened. “It’s nothing tae do with me! I’ve never met either of them. In the case of the maid, I’ve never even seen her. Although I once met the Gordons’ niece, that was years ago when I first came tae work here and she was visiting her aunt and uncle. She must have been nae more than fifteen or sixteen. She called here one afternoon with her aunt, but that was the extent of our interactions. I dinnae even know she was back in Edinburgh. Why would I?”
“We found letters addressed to Mary from a man named Jack,” Miss Wheeler went on. “Did you write them?”
“Nae! I told ye, their disappearances are nothing tae do with me. When that maid was taken, I was working here. There was a dinner party, and my presence was required the entire time. As for the abduction of the Gordons’ niece, all I can say is that I was asleep, but I am not at liberty tae tell you whose bed I was in. That explanation will have tae suffice, for the sake of the lady’s reputation. Might I add, you could have verified this with the police before coming here as I’ve already given that account tae them. Now, unless there are any more questions, I bid ye good day.” He closed the door in our faces without waiting for a reply.
Oscar trotted back down the stairs. “He’ll make butler one day with that attitude.”
“I believe him,” I said. “A young man as handsome as that doesn’t need to write to housemaids or use clandestine measures to lure women. He could simply crook his finger and they’d run in his direction.”
“You sound enamored, Gavin,” Oscar said with a hint of wickedness in his voice.
“Oscar,” I hissed.
“It’s all right if you are.”
“It’s not all right!” The conversation was heading in a direction I didn’t want to go in. “Anyway, I was objectively pointing out that he is handsome. Anyone with eyes can see it.”
“I’m not so sure,” Miss Wheeler chimed in. Her voice also held a hint of wickedness in it, but I couldn’t think why. “His features were certainly arranged well, but I personally didn’t find him all that attractive. He was too handsome.”
“Is there such a thing?” Oscar asked.
“Oh, yes. A little roughness around the edges is far more appealing. Don’t you agree, Professor?”
“I wouldn’t know.” If they were trying to tease a declaration out of me, I wasn’t going to take the bait. Besides, I wasn’t sure what I’d declare. My romantic interests were a conundrum, even to me.
I changed the subject before Oscar or Miss Wheeler decided to continue their interrogation. “If Jack the footman didn’t write the letters and didn’t abduct either woman, that leaves one other Jack from this area. Or, rather, John—Redmayne. I propose we attempt to question him again.”
They agreed, but unfortunately Mr. Kinloch had decided to give his butler the afternoon off.
“He was upset by your accusations, so he’s gone for a walk,” Mr. Kinloch informed us on the doorstep. He went to close the door, only to stop. “I know you and the police need to exhaust every avenue of inquiry, but you’re barking up the wrong tree. I know Redmayne well. He’s a good man. He’d never harm anyone, let alone a woman.”
“Then you won’t have a problem giving us the address of his former employer so we can confirm your opinion,” Oscar said. “If their account of Redmayne echoes yours, then we’ll leave him alone.”
Mr. Kinloch hesitated. “Is that a promise?”
“I give my word as a gentleman.”
“I’d rather yours, Professor.”
I stared at him. “Oh. I can assure you, Oscar’s word is as good as mine.”
“He’s a journalist.” Mr. Kinloch indicated a fellow lounging against the garden fence opposite, his hat pulled low. While there was no way to be sure he was a journalist who’d escaped being moved on by the police, on the balance of it, he probably was. “I’m not inclined to like journalists very much at the moment,” Mr. Kinloch added. He cast Oscar an apologetic look but didn’t back down from his sentiment.
“Very well,” I said, “I give my word, too.”
